My look was achieved by professionals. All I had to do was sit there as the team transformed me into an image I’d never be able to replicate without weeks of practice. My hair was done beautifully, my makeup pristine, and my gown was probably as expensive as one of his cars.

But the hours and money were all worth it when Fender looked at me.

His gaze seared into mine as we walked up the stairs. Possession burned bright, like he wanted to push me up against the wall and take me right then and there. Pride was there too, like he was the only man who could ever have a woman like me. A million emotions and thoughts happened in just a few seconds. I saw love, devotion, and commitment in there, too.

It went against everything I believed in—but I felt like the lucky one.

With his hand on my lower back, he spoke to his acquaintances in French, and I chimed in whenever I understood enough to say something intelligent.

Whenever I did that, he gave me a look of pride and brought me closer, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

It made me melt every time.

Made me feel good about myself.

Caught up in Fender, I forgot about the reason I’d looked forward to this evening.

Until I saw him.

Magnus walked up and greeted his brother with a stare.

I didn’t know what to do, so I looked away.

They exchanged words in French, and one word stood out the most. Napoleon. Quick words were exchanged back and forth, too fast for me to pick up on, but I could tell that Fender was irked.

I’d hoped Magnus would bring my sister, but it was clear he was stag. “You didn’t bring her?”

“Why would I?” He switched to English, and his tone was clipped and angry, like the mention of her infuriated him the way it infuriated Fender.

Fender drank from his glass, changing the subject. “Stasia is looking for you.”

His face remained stony at the mention of this person.

I should keep my mouth shut, but I was instantly hit with a need to defend my sister, who loved this man. “Who’s Stasia?”

Magnus dismissed himself without giving an answer. He walked off and headed down the hallway.

This was my chance.

Someone else walked up to us and engaged Fender in conversation, so while he was distracted, I excused myself. “Excuse me, just need to use the restroom.” I kissed him on the cheek, received a quick look of approval as he continued his conversation.

I went down the long hallway, a hallway I guessed was correct, and searched for Magnus. He must be in the bathroom, so that was where I was headed. Then I heard his voice from a room—with a woman.